Courts:Two games can take us to four

TAM COURTS admitted he had no issues about Rangers beating his side at Ibrox – and immediately set his sights on trying to secure enough points in their last two games to finish fourth and seal a return to European football.

Dundee United face Celtic on Wednesday, followed by a crunch clash with Ross County four days later, and Courts said: “It is fair to say we were beaten by the better team.

“It was a confident, dominant Rangers team we came up against today and they managed to get into their stride very quickly.

“Probably the main frustration from my perspective is that we have actually shown bravery particularly away from home against Celtic and Rangers.

“I am not saying that the players weren’t brave today but we could not get any real rhythm in the game and probably did not really show anything from an attacking perspective.”

Courts had no complaint with the penalty decision after United keeper Benji Siegrist wiped out Fashion Sakala.

And the Tannadice boss added: ”Ultimately it was a penalty and an individual error that gifted Rangers the goals.

“With the penalty itself, you are always going to be called into these very precise decisions.

“When you play against top players, naturally you will need to make those decisions. I’ve got no qualms over that.

“The fact that Benji has returned to form and is still in very good form ahead of two big games gives me a lot of confidence and positivity.

“This is the start of a big week for this football club and it is really important we maintain confidence and build momentum. The players are well aware what is at stake.

“We now move on to Celtic on Wednesday at Tannadice and try to pick up something ahead of Dingwall on Saturday.

“It’s now about making sure, over the course of this week, that we keep building momentum, maintain confidence and try to pick up points on Wednesday night at home — I’m sure there will be a big crowd — and the ultimate goal is where we are at 4.45 on Saturday.”